PIEZO1 promotes ATP release from periodontal ligament cells following compression force.

This article investigates the role of mechanosensitive PIEZO1 channels in the release of extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPdLFs) under mechanical compression, a process relevant to orthodontic tooth movement. Using molecular biology techniques, immunostaining, calcium imaging, and a novel in vitro weight-loaded cell model (IVWLC), the study demonstrates that PIEZO1 is abundantly expressed and functionally active in HPdLFs, mediating ATP release via intracellular Ca²⁺-dependent exocytosis and ATP-permeable channels such as pannexin 1 and connexin 43. Pharmacological inhibition and gene knockdown of PIEZO1 significantly reduced mechanically induced ATP release, supporting its key mechanosensory role. These findings contribute to understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying pain and bone remodeling during orthodontic treatment.